Russia’s MC-21 Passenger Airliner Makes First Flight

Russia’s new generation of passenger airliner MC-21-300 made its first flight with duration of 30 minutes, altitude of 1000 m at a speed 300 km per hour.

Rostec Corp acts as the integrator of the aircraft multiple systems. Rostec’s holding companies as well as the holding RT-Chemcomposite took active part in development and manufacture of most of the airliner components, from engines and composites to hydraulic, fuel and control systems,” said Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec in a statement Monday.

“We are the first and currently the largest client for МС-21 airliners, we signed a firm contract for 85 airliners. Our subsidiary Avia Capital Services has already signed an agreement to purchase a batch of 50 МС-21 airliners for Aeroflot.” Chemezov added.

Besides, "we are highly positive about the potential of the new aircraft export, first of all, to the dynamically developing aviation markets such as the South East Asia, Latin America, India and the Middle East." the Rostec CEO added.

The key contributor to performance improvement will be the wing, with its composites also supplied by Rostec’s RT-Chemcomposite. This is the first wing of its kind designed for single-aisle airliners with over 130 seats. Overall, the share of composites in the МС-21 structure exceeds 30%, which is unique for this aircraft class.

Rostec’s companies also manufacture the tail assembly compound aviation elements. It is the polymer composite fin box and stabilizer detail manufacturing technologies that will make the airliner competitive. Their essential feature is large-scale process automatization.

The share of composite details in the aircraft structure will be in the range of 30% to 40%. Besides, Rostec’s VSMPO-Avisma fully cover the titanium demand of the МС-21 program, supply components (chassis), avionics and airborne electronics.

One of the key products we are ready to offer for МС-21 is the PD-14 bypass turbojet engine, the first 100% Russian power unit created in Russia. PD-14 complete flight testing was also conducted at the end of May this year.

The airliner is intended for the biggest air transportation market segment, its capacity is 163 - 211 seats. Thanks to the fuselage diameter largest in the single-aisle aircraft class, МС-21 will provide enhanced comfort for passengers.

This solution will significantly expand each passenger’s personal space, allow pass of the service trolley and ensure shorter turnaround times in airports for airlines. Improvement of natural lighting in the passenger cabin was achieved due to an increased window size. Air pressure comfortable for passengers and improved microclimate will be maintained in the airliner.

An innovative pilot-friendly cockpit was designed for future МС-21 pilots.

The estimated reduction of direct operating costs during МС-21 operation compared to counterparts will amount to 12-15%. The initial firm order portfolio for 175 МС-21 airliners ensures production capacity utilization in the coming years. Advance payments have been received under the firm orders.